In 1970, Colin Hand was fresh out of the U.S. Air Force with visions of a career in engineering. However, with a wife and young family he decided to get a full-time job before resuming his college studies to become an engineer.

Hand responded to a classified ad in The Detroit News for an entry-level draftsman at Wayne State. He enjoyed the university and his job so much that earning an engineering degree was no longer a priority. Hand said he continued to learn a number of interesting things on the job.

"At Wayne State you do have a lot of opportunity to do a whole lot of different things," said Hand, who has spent 32 years working for the university.

In 1985, Hand decided to apply for a management position within the Facilities, Planning and Management department, where has been ever since. As a manager in the Facilities Planning and Management department, Hand manages the maintenance trade operations from electrical and carpentry to plumbing. His role is to keep over 100 of the buildings on Wayne State's campus in tip-top condition.

In that role, Hand is responsible for making sure he's aware of any problems that need to be fixed or addressed. Some can minor jobs like fixing a window to major project like replacing a roof on the physics building, which was done recently. The idea is to stay ahead of the curve to avoid any unwanted maintenance surprises.

Hand has traded his drafting table for a computer and his mechanical pencil with a palm pilot. A pager and cell phone hug his hip as well. Despite using the latest communication technology, Hand still can't be in two places at once and he only has 24-hours in a day. But Hand said he and his team, which includes assistant David Kuffner, are willing to do what it takes to satisfy the students, faculty and staff at Wayne State, all of who are his customers.

"There is not science," Hand said. "Always keep focused on customer service."

Hand's supervisor seems to notice and appreciate his efforts.

"He's (Hand) very dedicated, very customer service-oriented and he is focused," said C. Michael Simmons, director of facilities operations at Wayne State.

Through it all, Hand has played a role in ensuring that some of Wayne State's historic buildings stay current as well as looking to the newer ones. Although Hand didn't return to college, he job brings him to school everyday, inside and outside of the classroom ensuring that students, faculty and staff have the best facilities in which to learn and study.

"Wayne State is such a diverse community," Hand said. "I meet a lot of good people around campus."